Why GDP?
Gross domestic product is the most powerful metric in history – "one of the great inventions of the twentieth century," according to the US Commerce Department. But the utility and persistence of GDP reflect political realities, not economic considerations.
BERLIN – Gross domestic product is the most powerful metric in history. The US Commerce Department calls it “one of the great inventions of the twentieth century.” But its utility and persistence reflect political realities, not economic considerations.